The mission of the athletic department is to develop respect, integrity, responsibility, servant leadership, and sportsmanship amongst our student athletes. Lourdes, sponsored by the Sisters of St. Francis, is committed to the intellectual, physical, emotional, and spiritual development of students. Through participation in athletics our student athletes are guided by our Franciscan values of learning reverence, and service as well as five tenants of the NAIA Champions of Character.

According to the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education, The formal education of students consists of the curriculum and the co-curriculum, and must promote student learning and development that is purposeful and holistic. Each program in Student Life must provide evidence of its impact on the achievement of student learning and development outcomes. Relevant and desirable outcomes include: intellectual growth, effective communication, realistic self-appraisal, enhanced self-esteem, clarified values, career choices, leadership development, healthy behaviors, meaningful interpersonal relationships, independence, collaboration, social responsibility, satisfying and productive lifestyles, appreciation of diversity, spiritual awareness and achievement of personal and educational goals. Learning Outcomes for the Department of Athletics include:

1. Students who participate in athletics at Lourdes will engage in activities to promote social responsibility.
2. Students who participate in athletics at Lourdes will develop meaningful relationships.
3. Students who participate in athletics at Lourdes will be able to set and meet their personal and educational goals